WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.540 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:12.280 --> 00:00:18.199 Turn with me to Luke 11 again as we continue our study through Luke. 00:00:18.260 --> 00:00:21.600 And this morning reached the end of the Lord's Prayer itself. 00:00:22.100 --> 00:00:24.339 One more week on prayer next week. 00:00:24.339 --> 00:00:30.899 I'm so thankful for what God has been doing in my life with this. 00:00:31.699 --> 00:00:36.320 I grew up in the church, so I talked a lot about praying. 00:00:37.439 --> 00:00:44.480 I knew it was a good thing, and I wanted to be a good person, so I said I prayed a lot. 00:00:45.939 --> 00:00:50.179 A problem for most of my life was that I didn't. 00:00:50.179 --> 00:00:57.899 I really prayed at the times you were supposed to pray, you know, when everybody prayed, and it looked good. 00:00:59.259 --> 00:01:06.799 But over the past couple of years, especially as I've been studying this section of Luke's Gospel on prayer, 00:01:06.960 --> 00:01:15.000 I find God leading me to pray not merely because I'm supposed to, but because I need to. 00:01:15.799 --> 00:01:16.840 I love that. 00:01:16.840 --> 00:01:21.740 I get to talk to my Heavenly Father, to tell Him what's on my heart, 00:01:21.840 --> 00:01:25.560 and to rejoice in being a part of His kingdom work. 00:01:27.500 --> 00:01:31.300 We're going to see this morning the final petition of the Lord's Prayer, 00:01:31.400 --> 00:01:38.460 and it's another reason that we especially need to pray, and we especially get to pray. 00:01:39.340 --> 00:01:42.900 Let's read again Luke 11 at verse 1. 00:01:42.900 --> 00:01:51.300 Now, Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, 00:01:51.640 --> 00:01:55.440 Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples. 00:01:56.580 --> 00:01:57.660 And He said to them, 00:01:57.659 --> 00:01:59.259 When you pray, say, 00:01:59.259 --> 00:02:01.979 Father, hallowed be Your name. 00:02:02.679 --> 00:02:03.840 Your kingdom come. 00:02:04.859 --> 00:02:07.039 Give us each day our daily bread. 00:02:07.539 --> 00:02:09.319 And forgive us our sins. 00:02:09.539 --> 00:02:12.919 For we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. 00:02:13.579 --> 00:02:16.120 And lead us not into temptation. 00:02:17.240 --> 00:02:18.699 This is God's holy word. 00:02:18.859 --> 00:02:21.359 Let's pray and ask His help as we study it together. 00:02:21.360 --> 00:02:26.960 Father, we do come to You desperate this morning. 00:02:29.340 --> 00:02:36.060 Those of us who listen, and the one who speaks as well, we all need to hear from You. 00:02:37.420 --> 00:02:41.720 And so we've come to Your Word, and do so with great hope. 00:02:42.940 --> 00:02:45.660 Because we know You love to speak to us. 00:02:45.659 --> 00:02:52.359 And so, Father, by Your Spirit, through Your Word, would You speak clearly to all of our hearts. 00:02:52.659 --> 00:02:54.120 We ask it in Jesus' name. 00:02:55.099 --> 00:02:55.439 Amen. 00:02:57.379 --> 00:03:03.180 One of the most famous battles of the War of 1812 is the Battle of New Orleans. 00:03:03.180 --> 00:03:16.379 It's famous because Andrew Jackson was the American general who led his troops to defeat the British forces in this great battle. 00:03:16.500 --> 00:03:21.620 And later then became president, somewhat on the popularity coming out of this battle. 00:03:22.719 --> 00:03:28.340 It's also famous because when the battle was fought, the war had been over for two weeks. 00:03:28.340 --> 00:03:38.000 The two sides had met together in Belgium and signed a peace treaty two weeks before the Battle of New Orleans. 00:03:38.120 --> 00:03:43.960 But while the battle was taking place, news of that treaty was still traveling by ship across the Atlantic. 00:03:44.840 --> 00:03:51.580 And so these two armies, unaware of what had developed, walked into danger. 00:03:51.580 --> 00:03:58.020 Hundreds of men killed in a major battle even after the war was over. 00:03:58.340 --> 00:04:06.240 The dynamic of battles after wars are officially over has continued through the years, through the American Civil War. 00:04:06.659 --> 00:04:13.879 Several battles after Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Courthouse happened in World War I. 00:04:13.879 --> 00:04:18.240 And even with communication improving still after World War II, 00:04:18.639 --> 00:04:25.620 where some Japanese soldiers refused to surrender for decades after the war was over. 00:04:25.620 --> 00:04:34.319 Into the 1970s, some still fighting to the death or insisting that the news they'd heard of Japan surrendering was merely propaganda. 00:04:35.040 --> 00:04:37.519 That it wasn't true, they were still fighting. 00:04:39.660 --> 00:04:44.560 Last week we focused on the petition, forgive us our sins. 00:04:44.560 --> 00:04:52.180 And saw that Jesus has fully and finally paid our debts and conquered sin for us. 00:04:52.259 --> 00:04:53.199 The war is over. 00:04:53.879 --> 00:04:55.439 And Jesus is the victor. 00:04:57.800 --> 00:05:03.259 And today he teaches us to pray about the ongoing battle. 00:05:04.120 --> 00:05:07.860 The battle in the war that has already been won. 00:05:08.439 --> 00:05:11.980 He says, pray, lead us not into temptation. 00:05:11.980 --> 00:05:20.220 Sin's penalty has been paid, but its power and presence in our world are real. 00:05:21.759 --> 00:05:26.140 Satan is defeated, but he nonetheless refuses to surrender. 00:05:26.879 --> 00:05:31.060 It's this spiritual warfare that God's Word tells us we're engaged in, 00:05:31.120 --> 00:05:33.319 but which we often choose to ignore. 00:05:33.319 --> 00:05:39.360 And we hear news of physical battles in North Korea and the Middle East. 00:05:39.459 --> 00:05:41.120 Those are front page news. 00:05:41.319 --> 00:05:42.680 They grab our attention. 00:05:43.040 --> 00:05:51.899 But we often neglect the daily reality of our dangerous, ongoing fight against sin and against evil. 00:05:54.019 --> 00:05:57.500 And so what we learn as Jesus teaches us to pray this petition 00:05:57.500 --> 00:06:01.519 is that prayer is the way we fight this battle. 00:06:01.519 --> 00:06:08.439 It's a declaration of war of God's kingdom against Satan's, as we have said before. 00:06:08.599 --> 00:06:12.979 It's a crucial part of the armor of God for our spiritual battles. 00:06:13.399 --> 00:06:18.000 Remember the way Paul says it in Ephesians 6 when he's talking about the armor of God. 00:06:18.299 --> 00:06:23.139 Take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day. 00:06:23.699 --> 00:06:25.659 And having done all to stand firm. 00:06:25.660 --> 00:06:29.700 And he goes on talking about the helmet and the sword and the shield. 00:06:30.360 --> 00:06:34.820 And finishes praying at all times in the Spirit. 00:06:35.620 --> 00:06:37.680 With all prayer and supplication. 00:06:37.800 --> 00:06:39.880 To that end, keep alert with all perseverance. 00:06:40.100 --> 00:06:43.120 Making supplication for all the saints. 00:06:43.740 --> 00:06:45.200 The battle continues. 00:06:45.199 --> 00:06:52.199 And because our enemies are strong, but our Savior is stronger, 00:06:53.399 --> 00:06:56.959 prayer is the essential weapon in our ongoing war. 00:06:57.219 --> 00:07:01.079 We must pray all the time with all sorts of requests. 00:07:01.079 --> 00:07:05.599 So what do we mean exactly when we pray, 00:07:06.240 --> 00:07:08.740 lead us not into temptation? 00:07:09.779 --> 00:07:14.879 It can actually sound a little odd when you slow down and start thinking about it carefully. 00:07:15.120 --> 00:07:19.459 So first let me clarify three things it does not mean. 00:07:20.019 --> 00:07:22.719 It does not mean these things. 00:07:22.799 --> 00:07:23.860 You heard the not, right? 00:07:23.939 --> 00:07:25.199 Does not mean this. 00:07:25.199 --> 00:07:31.420 It does not mean, God, you promised life would never be hard, so make it easy. 00:07:32.879 --> 00:07:34.159 No, that's not it. 00:07:34.439 --> 00:07:35.379 God's Word is clear. 00:07:35.479 --> 00:07:37.879 We will face trials and difficulties. 00:07:39.420 --> 00:07:46.439 Secondly, it does not mean being faced with temptation is itself sinful. 00:07:47.399 --> 00:07:49.959 We're praying against temptation, 00:07:50.300 --> 00:07:54.019 but we see in God's Word that temptation comes even to whom? 00:07:54.019 --> 00:07:55.839 to Jesus Himself, right? 00:07:56.699 --> 00:08:00.500 Jesus was tempted many times yet without sin. 00:08:01.839 --> 00:08:04.399 Temptation itself is not sinful. 00:08:05.979 --> 00:08:08.099 Thirdly, it does not mean, 00:08:09.379 --> 00:08:14.359 God, you sometimes tempt me to sin so it's your fault when I do. 00:08:16.199 --> 00:08:16.599 No. 00:08:17.439 --> 00:08:23.379 James tells us God doesn't tempt anyone in the sense of enticing them to sin, 00:08:23.379 --> 00:08:24.379 promoting evil. 00:08:24.379 --> 00:08:26.920 Sin is not how God works. 00:08:27.199 --> 00:08:29.839 Sin is our responsibility. 00:08:32.439 --> 00:08:34.220 Doesn't mean those things. 00:08:34.860 --> 00:08:36.500 So then what does it mean? 00:08:36.559 --> 00:08:38.240 What do we mean when we pray, 00:08:38.379 --> 00:08:40.439 lead us not into temptation? 00:08:42.159 --> 00:08:43.539 Best I can tell, 00:08:43.620 --> 00:08:45.879 what we're asking is essentially this, 00:08:45.879 --> 00:08:47.120 Father, 00:08:47.120 --> 00:08:47.200 Father, 00:08:47.879 --> 00:08:48.779 help us, 00:08:49.679 --> 00:08:50.939 strengthen us, 00:08:51.340 --> 00:08:53.059 and deliver us, 00:08:53.559 --> 00:08:57.980 because our weakness is overwhelming, 00:08:58.879 --> 00:09:01.679 life is hard, 00:09:02.559 --> 00:09:05.379 and Satan is real. 00:09:06.559 --> 00:09:08.779 Help us, strengthen us, deliver us, 00:09:08.840 --> 00:09:10.679 because our weakness is overwhelming, 00:09:10.960 --> 00:09:12.480 life is hard, 00:09:12.480 --> 00:09:14.720 and Satan is real. 00:09:14.840 --> 00:09:19.379 I love the way the Heidelberg Catechism says it from nearly 500 years ago. 00:09:19.480 --> 00:09:21.820 And lead us not into temptation, 00:09:22.060 --> 00:09:24.019 but deliver us from the evil one, 00:09:24.080 --> 00:09:24.759 means, 00:09:25.820 --> 00:09:26.759 by ourselves, 00:09:26.980 --> 00:09:28.920 we are too weak to hold our own, 00:09:28.980 --> 00:09:30.159 even for a moment. 00:09:31.000 --> 00:09:32.399 And our sworn enemies, 00:09:32.580 --> 00:09:33.019 the devil, 00:09:33.360 --> 00:09:33.840 the world, 00:09:33.940 --> 00:09:34.840 and our own flesh, 00:09:34.980 --> 00:09:36.759 never stop attacking us. 00:09:36.759 --> 00:09:38.279 And so, 00:09:38.639 --> 00:09:38.659 Lord, 00:09:38.779 --> 00:09:39.480 uphold us, 00:09:39.580 --> 00:09:43.059 and make us strong with the strength of your Holy Spirit, 00:09:43.419 --> 00:09:46.899 so that we may not go down to defeat in this spiritual warfare, 00:09:47.299 --> 00:09:53.480 but may firmly resist our enemies until we finally win the complete victory. 00:09:55.299 --> 00:09:56.259 You see how it starts? 00:09:56.399 --> 00:09:57.419 We are weak. 00:09:58.539 --> 00:10:01.220 Our enemies are strong. 00:10:01.220 --> 00:10:05.180 Our God is stronger. 00:10:05.960 --> 00:10:07.460 So you who's stronger, 00:10:07.639 --> 00:10:08.540 help us, 00:10:09.120 --> 00:10:10.680 who are weak. 00:10:11.580 --> 00:10:16.800 Those three famous adversaries of God's people, 00:10:17.379 --> 00:10:18.000 the world, 00:10:18.500 --> 00:10:19.100 the flesh, 00:10:19.580 --> 00:10:20.200 and the devil, 00:10:21.100 --> 00:10:23.620 they're waging an ongoing war against us. 00:10:23.680 --> 00:10:25.639 They won't stop attacking us. 00:10:25.639 --> 00:10:31.600 And this petition is where we enter into the battle with them in prayer. 00:10:32.360 --> 00:10:35.419 We're fighting against them as we kneel down. 00:10:35.500 --> 00:10:38.139 We've said kneeling down is taking out our swords, 00:10:39.100 --> 00:10:40.399 entering into the battle, 00:10:41.120 --> 00:10:41.419 praying, 00:10:41.580 --> 00:10:43.480 lead us not into temptation. 00:10:44.059 --> 00:10:44.399 In fact, 00:10:44.460 --> 00:10:46.299 as Jesus explains in Matthew, 00:10:46.480 --> 00:10:47.399 as it's fuller, 00:10:48.279 --> 00:10:50.100 deliver us from evil, 00:10:50.819 --> 00:10:51.100 right? 00:10:52.980 --> 00:10:54.399 As we pray this prayer, 00:10:54.399 --> 00:10:58.740 we are acknowledging those who are at war against us. 00:10:59.199 --> 00:11:03.319 Those from whom we cry for God to deliver us. 00:11:05.799 --> 00:11:06.439 First, 00:11:06.679 --> 00:11:07.519 the flesh. 00:11:09.059 --> 00:11:11.959 It's our own personal weakness. 00:11:12.939 --> 00:11:14.799 We're acknowledging how weak we are, 00:11:14.879 --> 00:11:18.659 where we admit on our own we can't stand against our enemies. 00:11:19.079 --> 00:11:20.759 We can't find our own way. 00:11:20.759 --> 00:11:22.120 And so we pray, 00:11:22.679 --> 00:11:23.019 Father, 00:11:23.759 --> 00:11:24.659 lead us. 00:11:26.100 --> 00:11:27.220 Even before we get to where? 00:11:27.379 --> 00:11:27.539 Just, 00:11:27.919 --> 00:11:28.179 Father, 00:11:28.399 --> 00:11:29.460 lead us. 00:11:29.939 --> 00:11:31.039 The spirit is willing, 00:11:31.200 --> 00:11:33.179 but the flesh is weak. 00:11:34.159 --> 00:11:37.620 It's an admission of our weakness anytime we ask to be led, 00:11:37.679 --> 00:11:38.120 isn't it? 00:11:38.879 --> 00:11:41.080 Go around asking people to lead you all the time? 00:11:42.539 --> 00:11:43.720 Not too often. 00:11:43.960 --> 00:11:44.960 And when we do, 00:11:45.080 --> 00:11:45.580 we're saying, 00:11:45.659 --> 00:11:46.059 I need help. 00:11:46.159 --> 00:11:47.460 I can't find my own way. 00:11:47.500 --> 00:11:48.539 I need somebody to lead me. 00:11:48.539 --> 00:11:50.079 I don't know how to do this. 00:11:50.980 --> 00:11:52.559 I can't figure this one out. 00:11:52.620 --> 00:11:55.079 I can't handle the battle on my own. 00:11:55.219 --> 00:11:55.419 So, 00:11:55.620 --> 00:11:55.959 Father, 00:11:56.679 --> 00:11:58.059 lead me. 00:11:59.919 --> 00:12:01.360 So we ask when we sing, 00:12:01.559 --> 00:12:02.219 guide me, 00:12:02.639 --> 00:12:04.240 O thou great Jehovah, 00:12:05.079 --> 00:12:07.480 pilgrim through this barren land. 00:12:08.620 --> 00:12:09.659 I am weak, 00:12:10.360 --> 00:12:12.240 but thou art mighty. 00:12:12.699 --> 00:12:16.199 Hold me with thy powerful hand. 00:12:16.200 --> 00:12:17.960 It's saying, 00:12:18.140 --> 00:12:18.379 Father, 00:12:18.680 --> 00:12:20.860 here's our relationship again today. 00:12:21.200 --> 00:12:22.020 I am weak. 00:12:22.820 --> 00:12:23.700 You are mighty. 00:12:24.420 --> 00:12:27.780 And you hold me with your powerful hand every moment, 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:29.220 all the time. 00:12:29.860 --> 00:12:30.879 I want you to picture, 00:12:31.080 --> 00:12:32.100 as you think of that, 00:12:32.460 --> 00:12:34.980 a toddler who's learning to walk, 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:37.580 weak and wobbly on his legs, 00:12:37.820 --> 00:12:42.800 and his parent who never lets go of his hand so that he won't fall. 00:12:42.799 --> 00:12:44.399 You've done that before. 00:12:44.779 --> 00:12:46.579 There he is trying to learn to walk, 00:12:46.839 --> 00:12:47.579 but he falls, 00:12:47.939 --> 00:12:54.419 but your parent holding his hand so those weak and wobbly legs can hold up. 00:12:54.419 --> 00:12:59.919 Have you felt weak and inadequate recently? 00:13:01.419 --> 00:13:02.620 I know I have. 00:13:03.199 --> 00:13:06.659 I'll share something in each of these areas we talk about this morning 00:13:06.659 --> 00:13:10.019 that has caused me to pray this prayer recently. 00:13:11.159 --> 00:13:15.000 I've felt weak and inadequate as a pastor. 00:13:16.879 --> 00:13:17.539 I said, 00:13:17.620 --> 00:13:17.919 God, 00:13:18.059 --> 00:13:18.759 lead me. 00:13:18.980 --> 00:13:19.860 Help me. 00:13:20.680 --> 00:13:22.800 How do I understand your word? 00:13:24.300 --> 00:13:26.220 How do I help this couple? 00:13:27.720 --> 00:13:29.560 How do I lead a staff? 00:13:30.539 --> 00:13:34.800 How do I cast a kingdom-sized vision for your people? 00:13:36.940 --> 00:13:37.340 Now, 00:13:37.399 --> 00:13:40.879 you may not be asking those particular questions, 00:13:40.879 --> 00:13:47.639 but you may also struggle with feeling inadequate for where God has called you to serve in his kingdom. 00:13:47.639 --> 00:13:54.460 I'm not the only one who is not sufficient for the task. 00:13:55.179 --> 00:13:55.659 God, 00:13:55.740 --> 00:13:57.220 you have to lead me. 00:13:57.340 --> 00:13:59.379 There's so much broken around me. 00:13:59.539 --> 00:14:01.240 I don't know how to fix it all. 00:14:01.259 --> 00:14:02.360 I don't have the wisdom, 00:14:02.879 --> 00:14:03.240 God. 00:14:04.240 --> 00:14:05.899 I'm tired in the battle. 00:14:06.039 --> 00:14:10.199 I don't see any hope for what you've called me to being any better. 00:14:10.200 --> 00:14:10.320 Father, 00:14:11.120 --> 00:14:14.200 where do you feel your weakness? 00:14:15.920 --> 00:14:17.020 You can pray. 00:14:17.580 --> 00:14:18.020 In fact, 00:14:18.100 --> 00:14:19.580 we must pray. 00:14:20.360 --> 00:14:20.700 God, 00:14:20.800 --> 00:14:21.600 lead us. 00:14:24.480 --> 00:14:25.980 But not into temptation. 00:14:27.960 --> 00:14:28.480 Father, 00:14:28.840 --> 00:14:29.540 lead us, 00:14:30.120 --> 00:14:33.040 but not into temptation. 00:14:33.520 --> 00:14:36.080 Don't send me into the midst of the battle, 00:14:36.700 --> 00:14:37.000 God. 00:14:37.160 --> 00:14:38.240 It's too much. 00:14:38.240 --> 00:14:41.259 I'm not sure I could bear it. 00:14:43.180 --> 00:14:45.279 The world is against us too, 00:14:45.340 --> 00:14:45.720 isn't it? 00:14:46.200 --> 00:14:50.919 Because it also is broken and warring against God. 00:14:52.279 --> 00:14:55.500 This is the part about life being hard. 00:14:57.080 --> 00:15:00.220 Just the pains and difficulties of life, 00:15:00.379 --> 00:15:01.539 the heartbreak, 00:15:02.299 --> 00:15:03.120 the fears, 00:15:03.299 --> 00:15:06.180 the disappointment that we all endure. 00:15:06.179 --> 00:15:08.299 See, 00:15:08.359 --> 00:15:13.959 the word translated temptation in our Bibles can also refer to testing, 00:15:14.679 --> 00:15:20.719 like trials that God does bring to affirm the reality of our faith, 00:15:20.979 --> 00:15:24.079 to strengthen us to trust Him more. 00:15:24.639 --> 00:15:29.179 And it's a little bit strange to think that we would pray against those testings, 00:15:29.179 --> 00:15:30.179 those trials, 00:15:30.179 --> 00:15:31.019 those trials, 00:15:31.159 --> 00:15:34.939 because James tells us we're to consider them pure joy. 00:15:36.039 --> 00:15:38.319 Because testing produces perseverance, 00:15:38.500 --> 00:15:39.620 and that's a good thing, right? 00:15:40.159 --> 00:15:41.399 We should want that. 00:15:41.479 --> 00:15:46.059 We long to have our character built up and perseverance developed. 00:15:46.059 --> 00:15:49.679 So it would be strange if that were all that was meant. 00:15:49.919 --> 00:15:54.159 And so theologians don't agree on whether or not this is in mind here. 00:15:54.799 --> 00:15:59.759 But I believe it is partly in mind when Jesus teaches us to pray this. 00:16:00.319 --> 00:16:03.539 At first, because the psalmist prays like this, 00:16:04.119 --> 00:16:06.000 about the agonies of life. 00:16:06.000 --> 00:16:08.320 Deliver me. 00:16:09.159 --> 00:16:10.320 Deliver my life. 00:16:10.440 --> 00:16:11.200 Rescue me. 00:16:11.539 --> 00:16:13.500 I'm weary with my moaning. 00:16:13.960 --> 00:16:15.960 I'm surrounded by my foes. 00:16:16.059 --> 00:16:17.759 My soul is greatly troubled. 00:16:18.080 --> 00:16:19.419 God, how long? 00:16:20.200 --> 00:16:24.100 Over and over and over as you read through the psalms. 00:16:24.179 --> 00:16:27.820 These are testings in which God will deliver him, 00:16:28.059 --> 00:16:32.620 and through which God will bless him and strengthen his faith in God's steadfast love. 00:16:33.159 --> 00:16:34.299 But they are painful. 00:16:34.299 --> 00:16:38.279 And so the psalmist pours out his heart honestly to God and says, 00:16:38.539 --> 00:16:39.059 take them away. 00:16:39.839 --> 00:16:41.259 I can't endure them. 00:16:43.539 --> 00:16:48.679 But I especially believe that Jesus is teaching us to pray this way here 00:16:48.679 --> 00:16:52.620 because I see Jesus himself praying it. 00:16:53.240 --> 00:16:54.659 In the garden, right? 00:16:54.979 --> 00:16:55.779 What does he say? 00:16:56.299 --> 00:17:02.639 Father, if it is possible, remove this cup from me. 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:08.400 I see the reality of the pain and the agony before me in this world. 00:17:08.940 --> 00:17:11.200 The foes arrayed against me, 00:17:11.460 --> 00:17:14.139 and I cry out not to be led into that. 00:17:14.379 --> 00:17:16.900 It appears to be too much to bear. 00:17:17.379 --> 00:17:17.660 Right? 00:17:17.660 --> 00:17:26.300 I don't know what the seemingly overwhelming attack would be for you, 00:17:27.700 --> 00:17:29.440 but I've prayed, 00:17:30.440 --> 00:17:32.700 God, heal my wife. 00:17:33.880 --> 00:17:35.540 I don't know what I would do without her. 00:17:38.140 --> 00:17:40.160 God, protect my girls. 00:17:40.160 --> 00:17:46.640 I'm not sure my heart could bear up under the crushing weight of losing one of them. 00:17:48.440 --> 00:17:51.400 God, no more emotional situations right now. 00:17:51.720 --> 00:17:55.540 I just don't think I can manage one more plate spinning. 00:17:55.660 --> 00:17:56.700 My heart's full. 00:17:56.700 --> 00:18:01.400 And God, in his mercy, 00:18:01.680 --> 00:18:03.580 often meets us 00:18:03.580 --> 00:18:05.860 there in those cries, 00:18:05.960 --> 00:18:08.840 and he spares us the agony we fear, 00:18:08.960 --> 00:18:11.819 the part of the battle we're sure we would be overrun by 00:18:11.819 --> 00:18:13.319 would be too much for us. 00:18:15.840 --> 00:18:17.980 But the example of Jesus reminds us 00:18:17.980 --> 00:18:20.340 that God doesn't always answer this prayer 00:18:20.340 --> 00:18:22.759 the way we would hope or expect 00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:24.480 every time, does he? 00:18:24.480 --> 00:18:28.440 Jesus still drinks that bitter cup. 00:18:29.799 --> 00:18:32.240 Sometimes the trial still comes. 00:18:33.180 --> 00:18:36.680 Sometimes the world seems to be having its way with me. 00:18:36.819 --> 00:18:39.420 Sometimes the grief is too much to bear. 00:18:41.460 --> 00:18:43.019 And so we pray, 00:18:43.620 --> 00:18:45.319 as we already have in this prayer, 00:18:46.440 --> 00:18:47.680 lead us not into temptation, 00:18:47.960 --> 00:18:48.140 but 00:18:48.140 --> 00:18:50.980 thy will be done. 00:18:51.480 --> 00:18:52.839 You know best, 00:18:53.400 --> 00:18:53.680 Father. 00:18:54.480 --> 00:18:57.539 And you promised to care for me here. 00:18:58.799 --> 00:19:01.000 See, sometimes God spares us 00:19:01.000 --> 00:19:03.259 in the agony 00:19:03.259 --> 00:19:05.880 that we thought we could never handle. 00:19:06.880 --> 00:19:08.940 And we get there and find out 00:19:08.940 --> 00:19:10.759 he's there too. 00:19:11.039 --> 00:19:11.940 And we cry, 00:19:12.400 --> 00:19:13.519 deliver us. 00:19:13.819 --> 00:19:15.240 And we plead that God 00:19:15.240 --> 00:19:17.259 protects us in those moments 00:19:17.259 --> 00:19:18.160 from the attacks 00:19:18.160 --> 00:19:19.200 of the devil 00:19:19.200 --> 00:19:19.980 in the midst 00:19:19.980 --> 00:19:21.259 of our pain. 00:19:21.259 --> 00:19:24.599 Because that's where the devil 00:19:24.599 --> 00:19:25.579 loves to show up. 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:27.079 Isn't it? 00:19:28.339 --> 00:19:30.619 He loves to tempt us to sin 00:19:30.619 --> 00:19:32.660 and to turn away 00:19:32.660 --> 00:19:34.259 from our relationship 00:19:34.259 --> 00:19:35.379 with God 00:19:35.379 --> 00:19:36.680 and begin to think 00:19:36.680 --> 00:19:37.980 it's not really true. 00:19:38.640 --> 00:19:39.879 God doesn't really love me. 00:19:39.940 --> 00:19:41.319 He's not really my Father 00:19:41.319 --> 00:19:42.299 after all. 00:19:42.299 --> 00:19:45.960 See, we know sin 00:19:45.960 --> 00:19:47.059 is an ongoing battle. 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:48.919 We know that temptation 00:19:48.919 --> 00:19:50.799 is always a reality. 00:19:52.619 --> 00:19:53.759 And so asking God 00:19:53.759 --> 00:19:54.740 not to lead us 00:19:54.740 --> 00:19:55.700 into temptation 00:19:55.700 --> 00:19:58.019 is largely asking God 00:19:58.019 --> 00:19:59.419 to protect us 00:19:59.419 --> 00:20:00.960 and deliver us 00:20:00.960 --> 00:20:02.099 in the midst of it. 00:20:04.619 --> 00:20:06.079 Praying this reminds us 00:20:06.079 --> 00:20:08.440 of the danger of sin. 00:20:08.759 --> 00:20:08.899 Right? 00:20:08.900 --> 00:20:10.780 If this is one of those things 00:20:10.780 --> 00:20:12.300 we have to pray, 00:20:12.380 --> 00:20:13.120 we must pray, 00:20:13.200 --> 00:20:14.380 even though sin is forgiven, 00:20:14.800 --> 00:20:16.040 sin is still dangerous. 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:17.660 And we're to hate it 00:20:17.660 --> 00:20:19.480 because it is against 00:20:19.480 --> 00:20:20.320 the image 00:20:20.320 --> 00:20:22.259 and the glory of God. 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:27.540 Our weakness is overwhelming. 00:20:29.019 --> 00:20:30.300 Life is hard. 00:20:31.160 --> 00:20:31.860 And now, 00:20:32.480 --> 00:20:34.060 Satan is real. 00:20:35.740 --> 00:20:37.720 God doesn't entice us 00:20:37.720 --> 00:20:38.440 to sin 00:20:38.440 --> 00:20:40.240 and direct us to that. 00:20:40.500 --> 00:20:41.180 But Satan 00:20:41.180 --> 00:20:42.480 surely does. 00:20:43.700 --> 00:20:44.640 So we need 00:20:44.640 --> 00:20:45.779 God's deliverance 00:20:45.779 --> 00:20:47.079 from Him. 00:20:49.480 --> 00:20:50.700 Here's what that's looked like 00:20:50.700 --> 00:20:51.700 for me as a husband 00:20:51.700 --> 00:20:52.500 first 00:20:52.500 --> 00:20:54.420 and then as a pastor. 00:20:56.900 --> 00:20:57.779 As a husband, 00:20:58.039 --> 00:20:59.519 it's late at night. 00:21:00.860 --> 00:21:02.100 My wife has 00:21:02.100 --> 00:21:03.380 fallen asleep 00:21:03.380 --> 00:21:04.420 after an evening 00:21:04.420 --> 00:21:05.240 where I've 00:21:05.240 --> 00:21:07.339 seen some of my sin. 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:10.079 I've neglected 00:21:10.079 --> 00:21:11.160 to listen 00:21:11.160 --> 00:21:12.180 well, 00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:13.779 to prioritize 00:21:13.779 --> 00:21:14.700 my wife 00:21:14.700 --> 00:21:16.059 and my family. 00:21:16.559 --> 00:21:17.680 I've said 00:21:17.680 --> 00:21:18.140 in the midst 00:21:18.140 --> 00:21:19.059 of that hurtful 00:21:19.059 --> 00:21:20.100 and defensive 00:21:20.100 --> 00:21:20.860 words, 00:21:21.000 --> 00:21:21.740 thinking only 00:21:21.740 --> 00:21:22.600 of myself. 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:25.579 I've hurt 00:21:25.579 --> 00:21:26.460 the one person 00:21:26.460 --> 00:21:27.200 I promised 00:21:27.200 --> 00:21:28.039 to love 00:21:28.039 --> 00:21:29.299 above all others. 00:21:30.299 --> 00:21:31.980 I've been selfish 00:21:31.980 --> 00:21:33.759 and unthoughtful 00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:34.420 and I know 00:21:34.420 --> 00:21:35.140 that she's just 00:21:35.140 --> 00:21:36.019 gone to sleep 00:21:36.019 --> 00:21:36.759 disappointed. 00:21:37.759 --> 00:21:38.700 Rightly so. 00:21:39.960 --> 00:21:41.039 So what do I feel? 00:21:43.039 --> 00:21:44.359 It's discouraging, 00:21:44.779 --> 00:21:45.279 isn't it? 00:21:46.319 --> 00:21:47.859 I'm so upset 00:21:47.859 --> 00:21:48.859 with myself. 00:21:49.680 --> 00:21:50.720 How could I do this 00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:51.099 again? 00:21:51.259 --> 00:21:52.359 You've done these 00:21:52.359 --> 00:21:53.139 things before. 00:21:53.859 --> 00:21:54.400 And Satan 00:21:54.400 --> 00:21:55.299 comes in 00:21:55.299 --> 00:21:56.579 right at that moment 00:21:56.579 --> 00:21:57.759 as the accuser 00:21:57.759 --> 00:21:59.680 and says to my heart 00:21:59.680 --> 00:22:01.000 as I lie in bed 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:02.599 alone at night, 00:22:02.599 --> 00:22:04.279 what a failure 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:05.559 of a husband 00:22:05.559 --> 00:22:06.179 you are. 00:22:08.079 --> 00:22:09.419 She's the easy one. 00:22:10.439 --> 00:22:11.740 You got to pick her. 00:22:12.240 --> 00:22:12.939 What about all the 00:22:12.939 --> 00:22:13.459 other ones 00:22:13.459 --> 00:22:13.980 you're supposed 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:14.599 to love? 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:17.619 Could God 00:22:17.619 --> 00:22:19.019 possibly be 00:22:19.019 --> 00:22:20.519 okay with you? 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:22.059 He really 00:22:22.059 --> 00:22:22.839 couldn't be okay 00:22:22.839 --> 00:22:23.279 with you, 00:22:23.319 --> 00:22:23.639 could He? 00:22:23.819 --> 00:22:24.899 He certainly 00:22:24.899 --> 00:22:25.899 couldn't delight 00:22:25.899 --> 00:22:26.419 in you 00:22:26.419 --> 00:22:27.639 after all of this, 00:22:27.699 --> 00:22:28.079 could He? 00:22:28.079 --> 00:22:28.099 Could He? 00:22:28.099 --> 00:22:28.159 Could He? 00:22:28.159 --> 00:22:28.179 Could He? 00:22:28.179 --> 00:22:28.199 Could He? 00:22:32.599 --> 00:22:33.599 Been there as a pastor 00:22:33.599 --> 00:22:37.199 after a difficult season 00:22:37.199 --> 00:22:37.839 in the life 00:22:37.839 --> 00:22:38.740 of this church, 00:22:39.659 --> 00:22:42.119 after a difficult day 00:22:42.119 --> 00:22:44.959 and seeking to help 00:22:44.959 --> 00:22:46.919 someone and they're 00:22:46.919 --> 00:22:47.899 disappointed and I 00:22:47.899 --> 00:22:48.859 couldn't help and it's 00:22:48.859 --> 00:22:49.859 been all about me 00:22:49.859 --> 00:22:52.179 and seeing the weight 00:22:52.179 --> 00:22:54.480 of my failures 00:22:54.480 --> 00:22:55.699 and my sin 00:22:55.699 --> 00:22:56.539 and hurting people 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:57.480 I care about 00:22:57.480 --> 00:22:58.939 in this church 00:22:58.939 --> 00:23:02.159 and Satan whispers 00:23:02.160 --> 00:23:03.940 God must be 00:23:03.940 --> 00:23:05.080 so disappointed 00:23:05.080 --> 00:23:05.680 in you. 00:23:07.800 --> 00:23:08.980 You're such a failure 00:23:08.980 --> 00:23:09.820 as a pastor. 00:23:10.860 --> 00:23:11.779 What value 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:12.440 could you have 00:23:12.440 --> 00:23:13.100 to God now? 00:23:13.300 --> 00:23:14.460 You had one job 00:23:14.460 --> 00:23:16.380 and you failed. 00:23:17.960 --> 00:23:18.900 He's certainly 00:23:18.900 --> 00:23:20.220 done with you. 00:23:21.300 --> 00:23:22.380 God couldn't really 00:23:22.380 --> 00:23:23.640 be okay with you 00:23:23.640 --> 00:23:25.100 much less delight 00:23:25.100 --> 00:23:25.540 in you 00:23:25.540 --> 00:23:26.540 after all this, 00:23:26.620 --> 00:23:26.940 could He? 00:23:26.940 --> 00:23:32.220 because here's what 00:23:32.220 --> 00:23:33.320 Satan loves to do. 00:23:34.080 --> 00:23:34.779 He does it in different 00:23:34.779 --> 00:23:35.600 ways in your life. 00:23:36.000 --> 00:23:37.340 He loves to pull us 00:23:37.340 --> 00:23:38.740 away from our Father. 00:23:39.500 --> 00:23:40.580 He entices us 00:23:40.580 --> 00:23:41.340 to sin, 00:23:41.640 --> 00:23:42.460 to turn away 00:23:42.460 --> 00:23:43.500 from God 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:44.299 and to chase 00:23:44.299 --> 00:23:45.180 after our sin 00:23:45.180 --> 00:23:46.059 and when we do 00:23:46.059 --> 00:23:47.019 what He loves to do 00:23:47.019 --> 00:23:47.840 is to show up 00:23:47.840 --> 00:23:48.759 to accuse 00:23:48.759 --> 00:23:50.420 with His lies. 00:23:51.680 --> 00:23:52.920 He wants to draw us 00:23:52.920 --> 00:23:53.759 away from our Father 00:23:53.759 --> 00:23:54.539 because we're the 00:23:54.539 --> 00:23:55.059 toddlers 00:23:55.059 --> 00:23:57.099 who in Christ 00:23:57.099 --> 00:23:58.079 are holding on 00:23:58.079 --> 00:24:00.659 to Daddy's strong hand 00:24:00.659 --> 00:24:02.720 and Satan wants us 00:24:02.720 --> 00:24:03.759 to think that we have 00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:04.460 to stand 00:24:04.460 --> 00:24:05.519 on our own. 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:07.920 He wants to pull us 00:24:07.920 --> 00:24:08.359 away 00:24:08.359 --> 00:24:09.680 where we will 00:24:09.680 --> 00:24:10.899 certainly fall 00:24:10.899 --> 00:24:12.220 on our own, 00:24:12.519 --> 00:24:13.680 where we can't 00:24:13.680 --> 00:24:14.700 do it perfectly. 00:24:14.960 --> 00:24:15.920 He wants to pull us 00:24:15.920 --> 00:24:16.700 away to find 00:24:16.700 --> 00:24:17.659 our identity 00:24:17.659 --> 00:24:19.420 to trying to stand 00:24:19.420 --> 00:24:21.539 as good husbands 00:24:21.539 --> 00:24:23.759 and good pastors, 00:24:24.240 --> 00:24:25.139 good mothers, 00:24:25.639 --> 00:24:26.539 good engineers, 00:24:27.019 --> 00:24:27.759 good kids, 00:24:27.920 --> 00:24:28.879 good friends, 00:24:29.220 --> 00:24:30.200 good Christians 00:24:30.200 --> 00:24:31.960 and to think 00:24:31.960 --> 00:24:32.720 that that's when 00:24:32.720 --> 00:24:33.359 we'll stand 00:24:33.359 --> 00:24:34.339 when we get 00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:35.500 that right. 00:24:37.639 --> 00:24:38.599 And then 00:24:38.599 --> 00:24:39.440 when we fail, 00:24:40.779 --> 00:24:41.960 when we sin, 00:24:42.480 --> 00:24:43.539 His lies 00:24:43.539 --> 00:24:45.539 and accusations 00:24:45.539 --> 00:24:46.700 He brings 00:24:46.700 --> 00:24:47.899 into our cycle 00:24:47.899 --> 00:24:49.220 of shame. 00:24:49.220 --> 00:24:52.720 your porn problem, 00:24:54.360 --> 00:24:55.900 your self-image 00:24:55.900 --> 00:24:56.740 issues, 00:24:57.539 --> 00:24:58.519 your addiction, 00:24:59.720 --> 00:25:00.720 your failure, 00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:01.920 whatever it is, 00:25:02.059 --> 00:25:03.360 is proof positive 00:25:03.360 --> 00:25:04.880 God doesn't love you, 00:25:05.000 --> 00:25:06.759 God couldn't love you. 00:25:07.059 --> 00:25:07.740 He says 00:25:07.740 --> 00:25:09.500 and our shame 00:25:09.500 --> 00:25:10.799 wants to believe it. 00:25:11.620 --> 00:25:12.960 That feels right. 00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:15.100 That sounds right 00:25:15.100 --> 00:25:15.980 in that moment. 00:25:16.500 --> 00:25:17.480 He's tempting us 00:25:17.480 --> 00:25:18.880 not only to sin, 00:25:18.880 --> 00:25:20.140 which is dangerous 00:25:20.140 --> 00:25:20.800 enough, 00:25:20.880 --> 00:25:21.120 right? 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:23.220 Jesus had to die 00:25:23.220 --> 00:25:24.180 for the forgiveness 00:25:24.180 --> 00:25:25.560 we needed last week. 00:25:26.420 --> 00:25:27.620 Sin is dangerous 00:25:27.620 --> 00:25:28.700 and deadly 00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:29.800 and then 00:25:29.800 --> 00:25:30.880 He tempts us 00:25:30.880 --> 00:25:31.740 to despair 00:25:31.740 --> 00:25:33.000 of God's love 00:25:33.000 --> 00:25:35.940 and drift 00:25:35.940 --> 00:25:36.520 into the most 00:25:36.520 --> 00:25:37.880 dangerous place 00:25:37.880 --> 00:25:39.240 in the whole battle. 00:25:40.360 --> 00:25:41.140 The one where 00:25:41.140 --> 00:25:41.740 you're fighting 00:25:41.740 --> 00:25:42.600 on your own 00:25:42.600 --> 00:25:43.660 to protect 00:25:43.660 --> 00:25:44.880 yourself 00:25:44.880 --> 00:25:46.440 and your value 00:25:46.440 --> 00:25:47.820 and your significance. 00:25:47.819 --> 00:25:48.579 you're fighting 00:25:48.579 --> 00:25:49.299 to stand 00:25:49.299 --> 00:25:50.240 on your own. 00:25:54.240 --> 00:25:55.179 And so I have to 00:25:55.179 --> 00:25:55.579 wake up 00:25:55.579 --> 00:25:56.480 the next morning 00:25:56.480 --> 00:25:57.419 after my 00:25:57.419 --> 00:25:58.259 sin 00:25:58.259 --> 00:25:58.799 and my 00:25:58.799 --> 00:25:59.839 shame 00:25:59.839 --> 00:26:01.599 and come 00:26:01.599 --> 00:26:02.079 pray 00:26:02.079 --> 00:26:03.339 to my Father. 00:26:04.639 --> 00:26:05.559 And remember 00:26:05.559 --> 00:26:06.439 my identity 00:26:06.439 --> 00:26:07.700 is in Jesus 00:26:07.700 --> 00:26:09.480 being a good 00:26:09.480 --> 00:26:10.099 Savior. 00:26:11.099 --> 00:26:12.319 Not in me 00:26:12.319 --> 00:26:13.179 being a good 00:26:13.179 --> 00:26:13.819 husband. 00:26:13.819 --> 00:26:15.200 God 00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:16.819 will 00:26:16.819 --> 00:26:17.299 stand 00:26:17.299 --> 00:26:17.399 otherwise 00:26:17.399 --> 00:26:19.159 I'll start 00:26:19.159 --> 00:26:20.240 defending myself 00:26:20.240 --> 00:26:20.679 again. 00:26:21.319 --> 00:26:22.139 Defending my 00:26:22.139 --> 00:26:22.599 failures 00:26:22.599 --> 00:26:23.319 and my sin 00:26:23.319 --> 00:26:24.460 because I have 00:26:24.460 --> 00:26:25.299 to find some 00:26:25.299 --> 00:26:26.119 way to stand 00:26:26.119 --> 00:26:27.079 and if it's in 00:26:27.079 --> 00:26:27.619 myself 00:26:27.619 --> 00:26:28.859 I will make it 00:26:28.859 --> 00:26:29.419 worse by 00:26:29.419 --> 00:26:30.259 defending all 00:26:30.259 --> 00:26:30.899 of the failures 00:26:30.899 --> 00:26:31.539 I've already 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:33.359 had. 00:26:33.899 --> 00:26:34.839 Instead of 00:26:34.839 --> 00:26:35.720 repenting 00:26:35.720 --> 00:26:37.439 from those 00:26:37.439 --> 00:26:37.779 sins 00:26:37.779 --> 00:26:38.519 and trusting 00:26:38.519 --> 00:26:40.720 in Jesus 00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:42.660 I stand 00:26:42.660 --> 00:26:44.000 in Him 00:26:44.000 --> 00:26:45.259 righteous 00:26:45.259 --> 00:26:46.879 in Him 00:26:46.879 --> 00:26:47.240 right? 00:26:47.460 --> 00:26:48.240 It's the only 00:26:48.240 --> 00:26:49.039 way God's 00:26:49.039 --> 00:26:49.920 Word offers 00:26:49.920 --> 00:26:50.740 me to stand 00:26:50.740 --> 00:26:51.279 it's the only 00:26:51.279 --> 00:26:51.839 way I have 00:26:51.839 --> 00:26:52.680 to I'm in 00:26:52.680 --> 00:26:53.420 Christ 00:26:53.420 --> 00:26:54.500 forever. 00:26:56.660 --> 00:26:57.259 And so we 00:26:57.259 --> 00:26:58.000 cry out 00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:58.799 Father 00:26:58.799 --> 00:27:00.119 lead us 00:27:00.119 --> 00:27:01.099 not into 00:27:01.099 --> 00:27:02.299 that temptation 00:27:02.299 --> 00:27:03.440 and when the 00:27:03.440 --> 00:27:03.900 tempter 00:27:03.900 --> 00:27:04.819 comes 00:27:04.819 --> 00:27:06.299 deliver us 00:27:06.299 --> 00:27:07.480 from Him 00:27:07.480 --> 00:27:08.599 from the 00:27:08.599 --> 00:27:09.139 evil that 00:27:09.139 --> 00:27:09.720 would seek 00:27:09.720 --> 00:27:10.859 to destroy 00:27:10.859 --> 00:27:11.339 us. 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:12.500 Remind us 00:27:12.500 --> 00:27:12.819 Father 00:27:12.819 --> 00:27:13.220 that we 00:27:13.220 --> 00:27:13.539 are Your 00:27:13.539 --> 00:27:14.119 sons 00:27:14.119 --> 00:27:15.480 and daughters 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:16.440 and You 00:27:16.440 --> 00:27:17.180 will never 00:27:17.180 --> 00:27:18.059 let us 00:27:18.059 --> 00:27:19.099 go. 00:27:21.599 --> 00:27:22.359 See that's 00:27:22.359 --> 00:27:22.779 what we must 00:27:22.779 --> 00:27:23.220 remember 00:27:23.220 --> 00:27:24.759 as we pray 00:27:24.759 --> 00:27:25.079 right? 00:27:26.299 --> 00:27:27.019 I think we've 00:27:27.019 --> 00:27:27.440 said it every 00:27:27.440 --> 00:27:27.759 week 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:28.579 it's the one 00:27:28.579 --> 00:27:29.099 to whom 00:27:29.099 --> 00:27:29.419 we are 00:27:29.419 --> 00:27:29.779 praying. 00:27:30.659 --> 00:27:31.399 It's about 00:27:31.399 --> 00:27:32.539 our relationship 00:27:32.539 --> 00:27:33.619 with the one 00:27:33.619 --> 00:27:34.559 to whom 00:27:34.559 --> 00:27:35.460 we pray. 00:27:36.299 --> 00:27:37.720 What is that 00:27:37.720 --> 00:27:38.299 relationship? 00:27:39.079 --> 00:27:39.519 What does 00:27:39.519 --> 00:27:40.399 Jesus tell us 00:27:40.399 --> 00:27:41.259 to call Him? 00:27:42.919 --> 00:27:43.480 Father. 00:27:45.619 --> 00:27:46.319 Even though 00:27:46.319 --> 00:27:46.980 we still need 00:27:46.980 --> 00:27:47.740 forgiveness of 00:27:47.740 --> 00:27:48.139 sins, 00:27:48.519 --> 00:27:48.839 Father. 00:27:49.259 --> 00:27:49.859 Even though 00:27:49.859 --> 00:27:50.539 we still need 00:27:50.539 --> 00:27:51.259 to be delivered 00:27:51.259 --> 00:27:52.039 from the 00:27:52.039 --> 00:27:52.700 attacks of 00:27:52.700 --> 00:27:53.240 our enemies, 00:27:54.039 --> 00:27:54.399 Father. 00:27:55.659 --> 00:27:56.500 How is that 00:27:56.500 --> 00:27:57.279 even possible 00:27:57.279 --> 00:27:58.460 when we don't 00:27:58.460 --> 00:27:59.180 live like 00:27:59.180 --> 00:28:00.200 sons all 00:28:00.200 --> 00:28:00.819 the time? 00:28:01.599 --> 00:28:02.419 When sometimes 00:28:02.419 --> 00:28:03.519 we do fail? 00:28:03.879 --> 00:28:04.779 When sometimes 00:28:04.779 --> 00:28:05.500 our shame 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:06.500 even convinces 00:28:06.500 --> 00:28:07.259 us to 00:28:07.259 --> 00:28:07.740 believe 00:28:07.740 --> 00:28:08.380 Satan's 00:28:08.380 --> 00:28:08.980 lies, 00:28:09.559 --> 00:28:12.000 it's possible 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:12.759 because Jesus 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:13.359 didn't. 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:16.339 He didn't 00:28:16.339 --> 00:28:17.279 believe Satan's 00:28:17.279 --> 00:28:17.539 lies. 00:28:17.640 --> 00:28:17.920 He didn't 00:28:17.920 --> 00:28:18.460 believe them 00:28:18.460 --> 00:28:19.059 in the wilderness 00:28:19.059 --> 00:28:19.880 temptation, 00:28:20.079 --> 00:28:20.359 did He? 00:28:21.359 --> 00:28:22.279 He submitted 00:28:22.279 --> 00:28:22.799 to His 00:28:22.799 --> 00:28:23.640 Father's will 00:28:23.640 --> 00:28:24.799 and followed 00:28:24.799 --> 00:28:25.680 His Father's 00:28:25.680 --> 00:28:26.200 word 00:28:26.200 --> 00:28:28.400 when tempted. 00:28:29.180 --> 00:28:29.839 He didn't 00:28:29.839 --> 00:28:30.539 crumble under 00:28:30.539 --> 00:28:31.639 the crucible 00:28:31.639 --> 00:28:32.220 of the 00:28:32.220 --> 00:28:32.720 garden. 00:28:33.619 --> 00:28:34.059 As He 00:28:34.059 --> 00:28:34.839 sweats 00:28:34.839 --> 00:28:35.899 drops of 00:28:35.899 --> 00:28:36.559 blood, 00:28:37.879 --> 00:28:38.619 He prayed, 00:28:39.159 --> 00:28:39.519 Father, 00:28:40.519 --> 00:28:41.500 Your will 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:42.799 be done. 00:28:43.659 --> 00:28:44.819 He passes 00:28:44.819 --> 00:28:45.619 the test 00:28:45.619 --> 00:28:46.220 that we 00:28:46.220 --> 00:28:47.619 fail so 00:28:47.619 --> 00:28:48.139 often. 00:28:48.619 --> 00:28:49.259 And in doing 00:28:49.259 --> 00:28:49.579 so, 00:28:49.619 --> 00:28:50.420 He willingly 00:28:50.420 --> 00:28:51.259 goes to the 00:28:51.259 --> 00:28:51.839 cross that 00:28:51.839 --> 00:28:52.960 looked unbearable 00:28:52.960 --> 00:28:53.940 even to Him 00:28:53.940 --> 00:28:54.879 to defeat 00:28:54.879 --> 00:28:56.039 evil and the 00:28:56.039 --> 00:28:56.759 evil one 00:28:56.759 --> 00:28:57.460 so that He 00:28:57.460 --> 00:28:58.119 is able to 00:28:58.119 --> 00:28:58.819 deliver us 00:28:58.819 --> 00:28:59.240 from them 00:28:59.240 --> 00:28:59.839 as well. 00:29:01.539 --> 00:29:02.599 Jesus is 00:29:02.599 --> 00:29:03.299 the victor 00:29:03.299 --> 00:29:04.519 rising from 00:29:04.519 --> 00:29:05.039 the grave 00:29:05.039 --> 00:29:05.799 triumphant 00:29:05.799 --> 00:29:06.460 over our 00:29:06.460 --> 00:29:07.379 greatest enemies, 00:29:07.980 --> 00:29:08.779 sin and 00:29:08.779 --> 00:29:10.000 Satan and 00:29:10.000 --> 00:29:11.539 death so 00:29:11.539 --> 00:29:11.939 that He can 00:29:11.939 --> 00:29:12.839 assure us of 00:29:12.839 --> 00:29:13.679 our relationship 00:29:13.679 --> 00:29:14.259 with our 00:29:14.259 --> 00:29:15.759 Father no 00:29:15.759 --> 00:29:16.359 matter what. 00:29:17.319 --> 00:29:17.679 So that 00:29:17.679 --> 00:29:17.859 what? 00:29:18.119 --> 00:29:19.919 Nothing can 00:29:19.919 --> 00:29:20.980 separate us 00:29:20.980 --> 00:29:21.659 from the 00:29:21.659 --> 00:29:22.579 love of 00:29:22.579 --> 00:29:23.619 God in 00:29:23.619 --> 00:29:24.220 Christ. 00:29:24.599 --> 00:29:24.839 No 00:29:24.839 --> 00:29:25.259 hardship, 00:29:26.119 --> 00:29:27.319 no persecution, 00:29:27.819 --> 00:29:28.500 no angel 00:29:28.500 --> 00:29:29.180 or demon, 00:29:29.799 --> 00:29:30.319 not the 00:29:30.319 --> 00:29:31.500 devil himself, 00:29:31.920 --> 00:29:32.839 not even 00:29:32.839 --> 00:29:34.359 my sin 00:29:34.359 --> 00:29:35.420 can separate 00:29:35.420 --> 00:29:36.460 me from 00:29:36.460 --> 00:29:37.579 my Father. 00:29:37.900 --> 00:29:38.559 Even when 00:29:38.559 --> 00:29:39.599 I pull away, 00:29:39.720 --> 00:29:40.200 He will 00:29:40.200 --> 00:29:41.279 never let 00:29:41.279 --> 00:29:41.819 me go. 00:29:42.539 --> 00:29:42.980 And if He 00:29:42.980 --> 00:29:43.759 is for me, 00:29:44.859 --> 00:29:45.380 who can be 00:29:45.380 --> 00:29:46.019 against me? 00:29:49.339 --> 00:29:50.200 We may 00:29:50.200 --> 00:29:50.759 have strong 00:29:50.759 --> 00:29:51.079 enemies 00:29:51.079 --> 00:29:53.599 and they 00:29:53.599 --> 00:29:54.079 may keep 00:29:54.079 --> 00:29:55.099 fighting against 00:29:55.099 --> 00:29:55.539 us and 00:29:55.539 --> 00:29:56.480 refusing to 00:29:56.480 --> 00:29:56.859 surrender. 00:29:57.059 --> 00:29:57.420 In fact, 00:29:57.420 --> 00:29:57.880 our King 00:29:57.880 --> 00:29:58.840 promises that 00:29:58.840 --> 00:29:59.180 they will 00:29:59.180 --> 00:29:59.840 do so 00:29:59.840 --> 00:30:00.800 until He 00:30:00.800 --> 00:30:01.700 returns in 00:30:01.700 --> 00:30:02.200 glory. 00:30:04.200 --> 00:30:05.039 But our 00:30:05.039 --> 00:30:05.660 Savior is 00:30:05.660 --> 00:30:06.160 stronger. 00:30:07.539 --> 00:30:08.320 And so our 00:30:08.320 --> 00:30:09.539 ultimate victory 00:30:09.539 --> 00:30:11.039 is sure. 00:30:11.320 --> 00:30:12.019 We may 00:30:12.019 --> 00:30:13.920 stumble in 00:30:13.920 --> 00:30:14.420 the battle, 00:30:14.600 --> 00:30:15.480 weak and 00:30:15.480 --> 00:30:16.039 wobbly, 00:30:16.580 --> 00:30:17.420 children that 00:30:17.420 --> 00:30:17.940 we are. 00:30:17.940 --> 00:30:20.000 but our 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:20.500 strong 00:30:20.500 --> 00:30:22.019 Father holds 00:30:22.019 --> 00:30:22.900 our hand 00:30:22.900 --> 00:30:24.380 and will 00:30:24.380 --> 00:30:25.240 never 00:30:25.240 --> 00:30:26.519 let us 00:30:26.519 --> 00:30:27.559 go. 00:30:30.559 --> 00:30:31.380 As we 00:30:31.380 --> 00:30:32.240 practice praying 00:30:32.240 --> 00:30:33.299 this petition 00:30:33.299 --> 00:30:33.960 this morning, 00:30:34.620 --> 00:30:36.059 take a moment 00:30:36.059 --> 00:30:37.059 quietly to 00:30:37.059 --> 00:30:38.279 meditate. 00:30:39.279 --> 00:30:39.880 As we've been 00:30:39.880 --> 00:30:40.539 thinking about 00:30:40.539 --> 00:30:41.440 questions that 00:30:41.440 --> 00:30:42.059 can lead us 00:30:42.059 --> 00:30:42.740 into prayer, 00:30:42.940 --> 00:30:43.660 meditate on 00:30:43.660 --> 00:30:44.220 your own 00:30:44.220 --> 00:30:45.059 weakness. 00:30:45.059 --> 00:30:45.279 happiness. 00:30:47.399 --> 00:30:48.279 Meditate on 00:30:48.279 --> 00:30:49.579 what sorts of 00:30:49.579 --> 00:30:50.679 difficulties in 00:30:50.679 --> 00:30:51.480 life would 00:30:51.480 --> 00:30:53.240 overwhelm you, 00:30:53.379 --> 00:30:54.240 would be too 00:30:54.240 --> 00:30:54.980 much to 00:30:54.980 --> 00:30:55.299 bear. 00:30:57.679 --> 00:30:58.679 And consider 00:30:58.679 --> 00:30:59.599 the temptations 00:30:59.599 --> 00:31:00.279 you face, 00:31:00.319 --> 00:31:01.279 especially the 00:31:01.279 --> 00:31:02.419 ones that 00:31:02.419 --> 00:31:02.859 would tempt 00:31:02.859 --> 00:31:03.720 to isolate 00:31:03.720 --> 00:31:04.399 you from 00:31:04.399 --> 00:31:05.039 God, pull 00:31:05.039 --> 00:31:05.740 you away 00:31:05.740 --> 00:31:07.039 from your 00:31:07.039 --> 00:31:07.599 Father in 00:31:07.599 --> 00:31:08.179 your heart. 00:31:09.559 --> 00:31:09.940 Take a 00:31:09.940 --> 00:31:10.319 moment on 00:31:10.319 --> 00:31:10.700 your own 00:31:10.700 --> 00:31:11.819 and then we'll 00:31:11.819 --> 00:31:12.339 pray together. 00:31:12.339 --> 00:31:12.959 prayer. 00:31:14.720 --> 00:31:15.740 Okay. 00:31:15.740 --> 00:31:16.579 Peace. 00:31:16.679 --> 00:31:16.819 Peace. 00:31:17.339 --> 00:31:17.740 Peace. 00:31:17.759 --> 00:31:17.980 out. 00:31:18.439 --> 00:31:18.639 Peace. 00:31:18.799 --> 00:31:18.899 Peace. 00:31:19.359 --> 00:31:19.759 Peace. 00:31:20.299 --> 00:31:22.199 Peace. 00:31:22.199 --> 00:31:22.779 eniya 00:31:22.779 --> 00:31:52.759 Thank you. 00:31:52.779 --> 00:32:22.759 Thank you. 00:32:22.779 --> 00:32:23.839 We read earlier. 00:32:25.079 --> 00:32:26.220 Let's pray. 00:32:27.160 --> 00:32:34.740 Father, by ourselves we are too weak to hold our own, even for a moment. 00:32:35.740 --> 00:32:44.660 And our sworn enemies, the devil, the world, and our own flesh never stop attacking us. 00:32:44.660 --> 00:32:58.680 And so, Lord, uphold us and make us strong with the strength of your Holy Spirit so that we may not go down to defeat in this spiritual warfare, 00:32:58.680 --> 00:33:07.460 but may firmly resist our enemies until we finally win the complete victory. 00:33:07.460 --> 00:33:11.720 Father, you are for us. 00:33:12.840 --> 00:33:15.279 So who can stand against us? 00:33:16.340 --> 00:33:18.079 No one stands against you. 00:33:18.460 --> 00:33:20.559 You justify us. 00:33:20.559 --> 00:33:26.079 Jesus, who died and was raised to life, intercedes for us. 00:33:26.940 --> 00:33:29.119 No one can condemn us. 00:33:30.119 --> 00:33:33.639 No one can separate us from your love. 00:33:33.640 --> 00:33:43.100 We are more than conquerors through the conqueror himself, through Jesus who loved us. 00:33:44.160 --> 00:33:48.060 Thank you for never letting us go. 00:33:48.059 --> 00:34:03.500 May we then stand confident that nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:34:03.500 --> 00:34:07.920 We ask it in his name and by his spirit. 00:34:08.820 --> 00:34:09.059 Amen.